ATHLETICS Coast Axemen And Cyclists Meet: Variety Of Topics

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 September 1947, Page 8

ATHLETICS Coast Axemen And Cyclists Meet: Variety Of Topics

Several topics of importance to W?st Coast sportsmen and clubs were discussed at- the annual meeting at Greymouth of the provincial Axemen’s, Cyclists’ and Athletes’ Union on Saturday. These included the allocation of dates for sports meetings, the appointment of a handicapper for axemen’s events, the vexed'question of entrance and prize money, unregistered meetings, and the pror vision of a pew sports ground in Greymouth. . ’ Blaketown Request An application by the Advance Blaketown League for a grant towards the formation of a new sports area, embodying a cycling track, caused a lengthy discussion. It was pointed out that money was available for this purpose from the Council of Sport, but it was first of all necessary to have a sum in hand, which would then receive a £ for £ subsidy. Many members thought that, a precedent would be established if a grant were made, but. it was pointed out that all clubs had their own grounds, whereas the application was for the purpose of laying down a new ground. It was finally resolved to make a grant of £lO, an amendment to offer a loan of £5O being defeated. Handicapping Issue

Discontent was prevalent amongst axemen last season on account of the different limits observed by the various handicappers, it was mentioned, when an Ikamatua Club remit sought to have an official handicapper appointed by the union, to be called upon by clubs. After a discussion on the subject, Mr W. Blackmun (Ngahere) was appointed handicapper, Mr Fiveash declining nomination. Other officers elected were as follows:—President, Mr J. Tennent; vice-presidents, Messrs F. Williams, J. Donaldson, B. Topp, and R. Dickson; trustees, Messrs Donaldson and Tennent; secretary, Mr G. B. Fiveash (re-elected); treasurer, Mr J. Tennent (re-elected); committee, Messrs T. Morgan, A. Kennedy, W. Maloney, V. Messenger, W. Blackmun, R. Dickson, M. Brown, P. Duffy, and J. Q’Malley. Mr J. Donaldson was appointed official starter, and Messrs V. Messenger and F. Williams cycling and athletics handicappers respectively.

Dates Allocated

West Coast clubs will conduct their annual meetings on the following dates which the union has allocated to them: —Hokitika, December- 26; Brunner, January 24; Ahaura, January 31; Blackball, February 7; Black - water, February 14; Ikamatua, February 28; Te Kinga, March 6; Nelson Creek, March 13; St Patrick’s, March 20; Camerons, March 27. Wataroa and Mawheraiti dates were held over.

It was resolved that the centre hold a meeting at Greymouth on April 3. After reference had been made regarding the conducting of an unregistered picnic meeting on the day allotted to the Nelson. Creek Club last year, it was decided to write to the Moonlight-Slatey Creek Club asking it to affiliate with the union so that date could be allotted it in future, thus preventing any clash with other club dates. It was also decided to write the Greymouth Jockey Club asking its' co-operation in the granting of permits to hold horse races at picnic meetings. Chopping had become the most expensive sport to follow, as far as competitors were concerned, it was stated by Mr A. Kennedy (Blackball), referring to the amount charged for nominations and acceptances, compared with the stakes

offered. A competitor might compete at 10 meetings at an approximate i cost of £3 for each one before he, had a win. Then he would be handicapped out of further chops and it would take him three years to get back on a winning mark. He considered that all chopping should be run on a sweepstake basis. It was pointed out that clubs had jthe choice of conducting their meetings on a sweepstake basis, but the rules could not be altered to give it universal application. It was reported that application had been made for the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union to be held in Greymouth this year, and ( Messrs B. Topp, J. Tennent, and G., B. Fiveash were appointed delegates. |

The annual report stated that during the year there were 12 affiliations (£l6 16s), against 14 (£l7 17s) last year. Of 10 clubs that held meetings, most seemed to be successful both with weather and attendance. Mawheraiti and Camerons did not function, and Nelson Creek had revived. Receipts for the year were £303 19s Bd, a decrease of £9. 19s Bd, and expenditure £4l 16s lOd, a decrease also of £4 2s sd, leaving a cash balance of £262 2s 9d.